After appearing in the grand finale of MBC’s Arab’s Got Talent earlier this year, Shamma Hamdan decided to take some time out of the public eye. After all, the 18 year old — who became the first Emirati to make it into the final of the reality TV talent contest — had to finish her final year exams (she was a student at Dubai Modern Education School).

Six months on, Shamma is back and working as hard as ever to launch her career. The singer-guitarist received great praise during her time on the show, with her unique style of singing Khaleeji songs along to acoustic guitar, and she plans on continuing with that type of music.

Attending the opening of this year’s Dubai International Film Festival, tabloid! met the rising star to find out what she has coming up.

It has been a few months since Arab’s Got Talent. How have you found the experience?

I have some great memories, and really do not regret entering. It is the show that launched me and took me to where I am. If it wasn’t for MBC and then for those who voted for me, I would not be here talking to you. The show really has changed my life, and I honesty never expected it to.

You’ve admitted you’re quite shy — how are you dealing with all the attention?

It’s very strange, but I am really happy with where I am.

So what’s coming up for you? When can fans expect to hear new material?

I have a single coming up in the new year. In terms of music, I am going to carry on with the type of music that fans of Arab’s Got Talent saw me do. I like mixing Middle Eastern music with Western elements, and whenever I record new music, I am going to mix it up so that listeners can get something a little bit different every time.

What about live shows? Can we expect a Shamma Hamdan concert any time soon in Dubai?

I have a show coming up in about three months’ time with Amr Diab, Hussain Al Jasmi and Elissa.

NEWS IN BRIEF

It’s the news we’ve all been expecting: Tamer Hosni is set to become a father!

According to various Arab media outlets, the Egyptian singer is expecting a little one with wife former Star Academy contestant Basma Boussel, whom he married last August. Basma is said to be four months pregnant.

The news will do little to dispel rumours that the duo got hitched due to an unplanned pregnancy; you’ll remember Hosni surprised everyone by getting married without even an engagement.

Meanwhile, it is rumoured that Basma — who gave up her music career in order to focus on her duties as a wife — has decided to wear the hijab (Islamic headdress).

Dounia Samir Ganem is set to take a break from acting next year to focus on married life, it has been revealed.

The Egyptian starlet, who is due to marry her fiancé, TV presenter Ramy Badwan in January, told media she has put her projects on hold due to “other priorities.”

“I am getting married in January, and would like to take some time out to enjoy it,” she said. “I also don’t feel comfortable working while the conditions in Egypt are so unstable — we’re focusing on bigger things right now.”

However, Dounia won’t be MIA for too long; the actress added she’ll start looking at scripts after her honeymoon, while her debut record will be out later on in 2013.

ARABIA ONLINE

“I was exhausted by the time shooting finished. I would definitely say that this is my most demanding and difficult role to date.”

Jordanian actress Saba Mubarak on her latest film, Mamlaket Al Naml.

“I dedicate this award to my country Egypt and my people, who are currently risking their lives for the rights of freedom and social justice.”

Egyptian actor Mohammad Karim, after receiving the Monaco International Film Festival award for Best Actor for his role in Facebook Romance.